2009Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
nanoFlash video recorder capabilities, limitations, and operational features
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The nanoFlash records HD video via HD-SDI, SD-SDI, or HDMI inputs but does not accept composite or component video inputs.
- When remote control triggering is enabled, the front panel record and stop buttons are locked to prevent accidental operation, though the play button remains active.
- The device can be triggered to record when timecode is incrementing, making it suitable for some camera workflows but not for 24-hour or continuously running timecode.
- Qualified CompactFlash cards from the device manufacturer's approved list are essential for reliable operation, as different card models have different performance characteristics.
- Recording can incorporate up to two channels of audio from either embedded HD-SDI/HDMI streams or a 3.5mm external audio input.
- Playback transitions directly from recording mode by pressing the play button, which then plays the most recent take, with arrow keys allowing navigation to other recorded clips.
- The device has no front-panel power button to reduce risk of accidental shutdown during battery changes, relying instead on a low-power mode that consumes minimal battery when the video signal is absent.
- The 4-pin Hirose power connector uses a non-standard pin configuration to prevent users from accidentally connecting it to other equipment that uses the same connector type.
- After recording stops, files can only be deleted by formatting the entire CompactFlash card, which erases all recorded content.
- The device includes a hot-trigger feature that automatically starts and stops recording in sync with camera remote controls when using record-run timecode.
- Individual file deletion during a shooting session was planned for implementation in early 2010.
- Support for SD composite output and tally light record triggering were under development.
- The unit measures 4 7/8 inches high, 3 3/4 inches wide, and 1 3/8 inches thick, weighing 0.85 pounds.
Depends on
- The remote control protocol implementation details were still being developed at the time of this discussion.
- Eight-channel audio support was under development with a planned January release date, suggesting it was not yet available.
- Wireless remote control capability was in development but not yet finalized.
- SD composite output capability was under consideration but not confirmed as a future feature.
- The discussion reflects the device state as of 2009, and capabilities may have changed in subsequent firmware or hardware revisions.
- File deletion capability was planned but not yet implemented at the time of these statements.